Showcasing Sonoma’s Best
SONOMA, Calif. — Cline Family Cellars, a certified sustainable family-owned and operated winery and vineyard holder based in the Carneros wine appellation of Sonoma County, California, is pleased to announce the introduction of Cline Family Cellars Sonoma AVA Series, a collection of four varietal wines sourced from the best growing regions in Sonoma County.
In 1991, Fred and Nancy Cline moved Cline Family Cellars from Oakley to a 350-acre horse ranch in Sonoma-Carneros. They began planting Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and other noble Rhône-style varietals that best suited the growing conditions of the area. Now, as the next generation assumes leadership positions within the winery, they are fulfilling their heartfelt commitment to promote Sonoma County with the introduction of this new tier of wines to showcase local Viticultural areas that produce the best expression of a signature varietal:
Hat Strap Chardonnay, Carneros ($25.00)
Hat Strap Chardonnay is sourced from the Cline family’s J. Poppe vineyard, the oldest Sonoma vineyard on the winery’s estate.
“Afternoon winds are felt throughout the Carneros region and especially on the Eastern facing slopes of Wildcat Mountain where we farm our stellar Hat Strap Chardonnay,” said Fred Cline. “Winds come up from the San Pablo Bay directly pulling in cooler coastal air. The wind is so strong that I need to hang on to my hat when inspecting the vineyard,” remarked Fred.
“We owe our deep connection with Sonoma County to our parents,” stated Hilary Cline, who was recently appointed Vice President of Marketing and Direct to Consumer Sales at Cline Family Cellars. It seemed only fitting that we name our Sonoma AVA Series Carneros Chardonnay ‘Hat Strap’ as a tribute to our dad’s passion and appreciation for this remarkable AVA,” Hilary continued.
Fog Swept Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast ($30.00)
In 1995, the Clines purchased two Petaluma vineyards, Catapult and Diamond Pile Ranches located in the Sonoma Coast AVA to grow Pinot Noir and other varietals. These vineyards have proved to be particularly suited to Pinot Noir. Planting began with Pinot Noir Dijon clones 115 and 828, and clones 5 and 31. Fog sweeps in from the Pacific Ocean most summer evenings, covering the area like a giant cold blanket. Lingering through mid-morning this fog cover greatly extends the fruit ripening process, where temperatures can swing up to 27º from morning to afternoon.
Eight Spur Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley ($25.00)
Planted by our forefathers, Dry Creek Valley is one of the oldest growing areas in California. By the late 1880s, the region had more than eight hundred acres of vineyards, the majority planted to Zinfandel. These traditionally planted Zinfandel blocks are distinctive. Short stout vines stand on their own with no trellis, their gnarled arms reaching in all directions. Original farmers called this vine pruning technique “Eight Spur.” It was back-breaking work, going vine-to-vine to create a canopy that exposed grapes to the right mix of sun, breeze and shade – but history shows that’s what it takes to make the very best Zinfandel – America’s signature varietal. The valley holds the daytime heat, ripening grapes until sundown when cool ocean breezes whistle through the canyon extending the growing season to increase varietal complexity.
Rock Carved Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley ($30.00)
In pre-historic times, rock carried by a rampaging Russian River carved the Alexander Valley. The sedimentary rock left behind defines the vineyard soil, while the towering hills trap the summer heat like an oven. In the evening, the valley is cooled by marine air moving in along the Russian River from the Pacific Ocean. The combination of day-time heat to ripen grapes and evening air to cool them down promotes freshness, acidity, and phenolic ripeness, keys to producing ultra-premium quality Cabernet Sauvignon.
Grapes for Rock Carved Cabernet Sauvignon are harvested from two vineyards: one planted on the Russian River’s edge in the middle of the valley floor, in well-drained alluvial gravel soils, the other planted in the southernmost part of the valley on the benchlands overlooking Alexander Valley in richer yet rockier soil.
Cline Family Cellars Sonoma AVA Series wines including Hat Strap Chardonnay, Fog Swept Pinot Noir, Eight Spur Zinfandel and Rock Carved Cabernet Sauvignon are distributed nationally.
About Cline Family Cellars
Cline Family Cellars, established in 1982, is a family-owned winery in Sonoma, California, built on a passion for winemaking and rooted in respect for the land. While Cline is well-known for Zinfandel, Fred and his wife Nancy have devoted the past 30 years to the planting of sustainably farmed vineyards throughout Sonoma County. Today those vineyards showcase Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. To learn more please visit:
clinecellars.com
https://www.instagram.com/clinecellars/
https://www.facebook.com/clinefamilycellars
For further information, please contact Charene Beltramo at cbeltramo@clinecellars.com.
